Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior faced the media ahead of his side’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United later this week.

The Blues have enjoyed a dramatic upturn in form since Rosenior’s appointment, winning all four of their league matches after previously going five games without a victory under former manager Enzo Maresca.

That run has lifted Chelsea to within one point of the top four, while they sit four points clear of sixth-placed Liverpool as they look to leapfrog Manchester United with another win.

James and Palmer available

Rosenior confirmed that both Reece James and Cole Palmer are in contention to start against Leeds.

On James, he said:
“Reece is fit. He’s feeling a bit unwell today, but there’s no conspiracy — that’s the truth. Hopefully he’ll be well enough for tomorrow.”

Palmer is also ready to feature, much to Rosenior’s delight.
“He’s available for tomorrow. Any world-class player is hugely important to what we want to achieve. It was great to see him scoring freely on Saturday and hopefully that form continues.”

Leeds pose a stern test

Leeds will be aiming to complete a league double over Chelsea for the first time since the 1991/92 season, having beaten the Blues 3-1 back in December. Rosenior acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing his side.

“You watch every game. When I first saw that match it was as a neutral — I didn’t realise I’d be managing Chelsea,” he said.

“Daniel Farke is an outstanding coach and Calvert-Lewin is in really good form. It’s going to be a very difficult game again.”

Rosenior also highlighted Leeds’ physical and direct style of play, which he believes must be matched.
“You saw it against Nottingham Forest — they were magnificent. When I say direct, I mean that in a really positive way. We have to stand up to that and overcome it.”

Chelsea will hope their momentum continues, but Rosenior is under no illusions about the size of the task awaiting his in-form side.